MORE than 700 elderly and vulnerable people are set to benefit from a lifeline community alarm service - after council and fire service chiefs agreed a groundbreaking deal.

The partnership between Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Cleveland Fire Brigade's community interest company will see new alarms replace existing equipment in properties of residents who currently receive ‘Telecare’ packages, which offer support – such as fall sensors – to vulnerable residents.

The arrangement, thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, means people using the alarm will see their calls handled by the fire brigade's contact centre, with professional social care workers then despatched to respond swiftly.

The Council will fund the new deal, with all residents signed up receiving an annual visit from a firefighter for a free home fire safety visit.

Fifteen per cent of all income will also be reinvested in local projects through the brigade's community interest company.

All residents assessed as having a social care need and therefore being eligible for the service will shortly be receiving letters explaining the new situation.

The Telecare arrangement is in place until March 2013, at which time the Council will seek to put a longer-term contract in place.

Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Wellbeing, said: "We are delighted to have agreed a deal with Cleveland Fire Brigade's community interest company which clearly underlines our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities.

"The expertise of the fire brigade's call-handling service, together with people receiving a response from a care worker makes this a superb arrangement for those using the service."

Ray Khaliq, Director of Technical Services at Cleveland Fire Brigade said:

“We are delighted to be delivering this service to the people of Redcar and Cleveland as we continue our work to improve the quality of life and safety of our communities.

“Our trading company will provide this service which will give the current support, as well as ensuring everyone on this contract receives an annual free Home Fire Safety Visit and any proceeds made will be reinvested back into the local area. Our professional value for money service will strengthen the protection we provide and we are proud to expand our services to the people of Cleveland.”